Iran’s Quds Force Leader Qaani Missing

Iran’s Quds Force Leader Missing After Israeli Strike: Reports

Esmail Qaani, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force, has reportedly gone missing after Israeli airstrikes on Friday in Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiyeh. The airstrikes targeted Hashem Safieddine, the successor to the slain Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Reports indicate that Qaani was present in Dahiyeh at the time and may have been injured in the strike.

While Iranian media has remained silent about his whereabouts, some Turkish and Israeli news outlets suggest that Qaani might be dead. According to Israeli Channel 12, Lebanese authorities have confirmed Qaani’s death, although the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have not claimed responsibility for the killing.

Qaani’s absence was notably observed during Friday prayers led by Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. A report from the New York Times indicates that Qaani had traveled to Beirut to meet Hezbollah officials amid the Israeli strikes.

Who is Esmail Qaani?

Esmail Qaani succeeded Qassem Soleimani as Iran’s leader for foreign operations after Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020 near Baghdad International Airport. Qaani has played a crucial role in shaping Iran’s military strategy in the region.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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